Blast killed soldier on bomb-sweep duty

A British soldier was killed by an explosion in Afghanistan as he prepared to sweep the area for bombs, an inquest heard.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Sep 2010, 16:36 BST

Updated 17th Sep 2010, 00:32 BST

Lance Corporal Dane Elson, 22, died when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as he removed his metal detector from his bag.

The soldier, who was born in Zimbabwe but lived in Bridgend, South Wales, was on patrol in Helmand Province, as part of a Fire Support Group attached to the Light Dragoons Battle Group.

His platoon was searching for insurgents when he was called to the front to help sweep for bombs.

The soldier, of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed instantly on July 5 2009, the inquest in Aberdare heard yesterday.

Coroner Peter Maddox recorded a verdict of unlawful killing whilst on active service and extended his sympathies to L/Cpl Elson’s friends and family.

Afghanistan